KARACHI: Pakistan’s national snooker circuit is due to commence after a long layoff with back-to-back SGL U-17 and U-21 championships being staged in Lahore from July 31 to Aug 10.

The details of the junior events were announced by the officials of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) during a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Tuesday.

As many as 18 cueists from across the country will vie feature in the U-17 event that carries total prize money of Rs130,000. The winner will get Rs50,000 while the runner-up will pocket Rs25,000.

The participants have been divided into four groups and top two from each will qualify for the quarter-finals.

The U-21 event will see 19 players battling for honours with the same prize money at stake.

The contestants have been drawn into four groups and top two will make it to the last-eight stage.

Making his first appearance before media since coming at the helm of affairs late last year, president Jawaid H. Karim said Covid-19 that has gripped the entire world prevented the PBSF from holding domestic activities during the last eight, nine months.

He said new sponsor — Sea Gold Limited — has come forward and promised to promote junior activities in future also.

Speaking on the occasion, chairman Alamgir Shaikh said that after several communications the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has given a cheque of Rs100,0000 to Muhammad Asif for winning the second world title in Turkish city of Antalya.

Punjab association has established a four-table academy in Lahore with the support of Punjab Sports Board, he added.

Alamgir said international snooker activities may resume in Qatar during September provided the prevailing Covid-19 situation improves.

Published in Dawn, July 28th , 2021